Motorcyclists have long suffered from the rowdy, lawless stereotype created in Hollywood. Very few fit the old motorcycle gang image made popular in the movies. Today, you will find regular people riding and having fun on their motorcycles.
To a certain extent, motorcyclists are a little bit different. Most riders are highly independent and have a great sense of individuality. Riding a motorcycle gives one a feeling of freedom, and for many, it is a way to stand out from the millions of other vehicles on the roadway. Perhaps their biggest difference is that they tend to have more fun on the road because riding a motorcycle is such a joy.
Why is it so important to give motorcyclists room on the roadway? A rider is exposed to all the elements of the road. There is no steel compartment surrounding the rider to protect him or her in the event of a crash. Motorcyclists will also use more of the road in response to changing traffic and/or roadway conditions. Motorcycles are generally more maneuverable than cars, and riders use this maneuverability to avoid potential danger. To make such maneuvers, a rider needs room. Don't crowd motorcycles in a lane. The rider is entitled to the entire lane, regardless of positioning.
Why should you look more carefully for motorcycles? A study conducted at the University of Southern California (USC) showed that motorists' failure to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominant cause of crashes involving motorcycles and other vehicles. Many motorists fail to detect motorcyclists because they don't expect to see them, or they aren't looking for a motorcycle. They expect to see other cars and don't realize there are many motorcycles on the road as well.
If motorcyclists are hard to see, why don't they make themselves more visible? Experienced riders will do all they can to be conspicuous. That's why you almost always see motorcycles' headlights on, day or night. It is the best way to attract attention. You may also notice that some riders wear brightly colored helmets and clothing - this helps them to be more visible to other motorists. However, you still see many riders wearing black protective gear - darker gear doesn't show the grime picked up from being out in the open. If they wear dark gear they will often wear retroreflective vests over their jackets. Also, motorcyclists don't wear leather jackets, trousers, boots and gloves to look tough. Leather provides some of the best protection available from the elements and potential injury. They will wear jackets on warm days not only for protection, but also for comfort because riding can make the air temperature seem cooler than it actually is. A rider must contend with the wind-chill factor that corresponds to the speed he or she is traveling.
Why do motorcyclists ride in different parts of a lane? Riding in different parts of the lane is another way for riders to make themselves more visible to motorists. Usually you'll see motorcyclists riding in the left portion of the lane; this makes them more visible to oncoming traffic and gives them the best view of traffic. Riders may switch lane position so they are not in your blind spot. Having a motorcyclist appear out of nowhere may come as a surprise to some drivers, but the rider is merely trying to get your attention so that you realize he or she is there. Visibility isn't the only reason riders change lane position. Safe motorcyclists try to maintain a "space cusion" between themselves and surrounding vehicles. This space cushion gives them time to react to changing traffic conditions, unexpected moves by cars, or debris in the roadway. While a car is relatively unaffected by road debris, it can be a real hazard to motorcyclists, and they will most likely take evasive action to avoid it. The same holds true for potholes or liquids. Sometimes a rider will get blown across a lane by a strong gust of wind. Even the turbulence created by a passing truck in another lane can be enough to move a motorcycle around. If you see an oncoming truck, expect the motorcyclist to move to the right side of his or her lane. A rider will also move within a lane to prepare for a turn. Watch for the motorcycle's turn signal, but don't assume that the rider means they will actually turn. Most motorcycle turn signals are not self-canceling. It is not uncommon for even the most experienced rider to inadvertently let a turn signal continue to flash.
Where is a motorcyclist most likely to be involved in an accident with another vehicle? At an intersection. According to the USC study, intersections are the most likely places for motorcycle crashes, and two-thirds of those crashes occur when another vehicle violated the motorcycle's right-of-way. A motorcycle's small size makes it more difficult to spot in traffic, so motorists must aggressively and consciously look for motorcycles in changing traffic conditions. Because of the small silhouette it's not easy to determine the speed of an oncoming motorcycle. It is common to misjudge the actual distance between the car and the motorcycle. Before proceeding through an intersection, check the scene no fewer than three times, and make it a point to look for motorcyclist.
For additional information about motorcycle safety, highway riding and sharing the road, contact:
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation 2 Jenner St., Ste. 150 Irvine, CA 92618-3806 9497273227 www.msf-usa.org
For the location for the rider training location nearest you, call too-free: 800-446-9227
National highway Traffic Safety Administration 400 Seventh St. SW Washington, D.C. 20590
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety 1440 New York Ave. NW, Ste. 201 Washington, D.C. 20005 www.aaafoundation.org
American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Drive Pickerington, OH 43147